10 Health Benefits Of Cinnamon That Surprised Even Us by: Tricia Drevets for Off The Grid News
What do you think of when you smell cinnamon? For many of us, the powerful spice’s aroma brings back memories of holidays or cozy winter nights by the fireplace. Or, maybe your grandma treated you to cinnamon rolls or toast sprinkled with cinnamon and sugar.
However, cinnamon does much more than just taste and smell good. It offers many health benefits. In fact, cinnamon has been used for medicinal purposes since ancient times.
Cinnamon comes from inner bark of the cinnamomum tree. Its distinctive smell and flavor is due to the oily part of the bark, which is high in a compound called cinnamaldehyde. The bark also contains other healing properties, including cinnamic acid and cinnamate.
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When the bark dries, it forms strips that curl into rolls, which we call cinnamon sticks. These sticks can be ground into a spice powder, or the compounds can be isolated as an essential oil.
Ancient civilizations considered cinnamon to be a gift fit for a king. Today, it is one of the healthiest spices you can find in your grocery store. Here are 10 health benefits cinnamon can offer.
1. Antioxidants. Cinnamon is loaded with antioxidants known as polyphenols, phenolic acid and flavonoids. These compounds, which are also found in dark berries, red wine and dark chocolate, work to reduce free radical damage in the body and can slow the aging process. In terms of its antioxidant content, cinnamon outranks many superfoods including garlic, oregano, rosemary and thyme.
2. Anti-inflammatory effects. These antioxidants in cinnamon work to reduce inflammation in the human body. Scientists believe that the consumption of cinnamon can help the body reduce swelling, repair tissue damage, relieve muscle soreness and lower allergic reactions.
3. Heart health. Consuming cinnamon can help reduce your LDL (or “bad”) cholesterol, while keeping your HDL (“good”) cholesterol stable.
High blood pressure is related with the risk of stroke and heart disease, and, in several animal studies, cinnamon consumption has reduced blood pressure.
Additionally, cinnamon works as a blood coagulant and can help the body form blood clots. It also helps the body maintain proper blood circulation.
4. Diabetes. Another benefit of cinnamon is its ability to help lower blood sugar levels and improve sensitivity to the hormone insulin, which is needed to balance the body’s blood sugar levels.
Promising human research studies trials have demonstrated that that a daily dose of 1-6 grams of cinnamon (0.5-2 teaspoons) can lower fasting blood sugar levels by as much as 10 to 29 percent.
5. Brain function. Cinnamon’s antioxidant properties also may benefit cognitive function and overall brain health, offering protection form neurological disorders, including Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s disease.
